TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa is canceling classes this week for students in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Ian, which is forecast to become a major hurricane — Category 3 or above — before reaching Florida. The Tampa Bay area remains in the storm's forecast cone.
On Monday, Hillsborough County leaders issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zone A, which takes effect at 2 p.m. Monday.
Because of this, classes will be canceled beginning Monday, Sept. 26 through Friday, Sept. 30, the university announced in a news release.
School leaders said they anticipate resuming full campus operations on Monday, Oct. 3.
The school sent an email to students highlighting the county's evacuation notice and noting the majority of UT's campus is within Zone A. All residence halls will be closed at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
This means all students will need to evacuate the residence halls by then.
UT said students have two options on where to go to evacuate:
- We strongly encourage you to relocate off-campus with friends and family outside of Zone A for the entirety of the storm and return to campus when the residence halls reopen. Evacuation zone information can be found here.
- As a secondary option, we will provide transportation on Tuesday, at 11 a.m. for any remaining residents to UT’s assigned shelter location at Jennings Middle School. However, you must register to reserve your space at the shelter by using the “Hurricane Ian Residential Student Location Form” below. This shelter site is managed by Hillsborough County, has limited capacity, and is also open to the general public. UT residential staff will also be onsite. See more information about this option below.
Students will need to let the university know their decision by 10 a.m. on Tuesday. For more information on options for students, click here.